The charismatic François-Frédéric Guy made his debut in 1999 and immediately established a reputation as one of the most fascinating pianists of his generation. He has performed across the globe with many of the world's great orchestras. A dedicated recitalist and chamber musician he is widely regarded as a specialist in the German Romantics and above all of Beethoven, whom he describes as 'the Alpha and Omega of music'.

For his Ilkley debut he has chosen two of Beethoven's most famous sonatas – the ever popular 14th from 1801/2, which didn't acquire the title 'Moonlight' until 1832, and the earlier and more tragic sounding 8th (1799) which Beethoven was happy to have his publisher name as a Grande sonate pathétique.

The programme concludes with Brahms third sonata – a fusion of romantic spirit in classical architecture – perhaps the greatest since Beethoven. It was written in 1853 by the 20-year old who that same year Schumann would proclaim 'fated to give expression to the times in the highest and most ideal manner'.